Review: Fantastic Four #1 & FF #1

Fantastic Four #1 & FF #1, Marvel Comics - Written by Matt Fraction with art by Mark Bagely and Mike Allred.

As First Issues go Fantastic Four #1 felt more like FF #0. There’s a set-up and a premise but no real plot to speak of.

That said, the only thing you really need to glean from this story, titled “Unstable”, can be found in two separate, but related, bits of dialogue uttered by Mr. Fantastic himself, Reed Richards. The first bit, which comes almost half-way through the book, is “Uh-oh.” The second comes in the very last panel. Looking sincerely at his wife, Reed says, “Trust me.”

Now, coming from any normal person, those two phrases would be completely innocuous at best and only marginally significant at worst. But when spoken by some one who is, arguably, the smartest person on the planet, and who has a tendency to put curiosity ahead of caution and discovery before discretion, well those four little syllables are sure to spell BIG  TROUBLE!

Great set up

Story – 6 ½ unstable molecules. Art – 8 ½ dimensional portals.

This brings us quite literally to FF #1.

Here we are treated to the expected “gathering of the team” story, but interspersed with delightful little vignettess of the Future Foundation Kids taking turns to explain just what the Future Foundation means to them. As humorous as these were, my favorite scene in this issue is the one where Ben Grimm (the Thing) is trying to recruit Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk) in the gym. 

While I am not a huge fan of Mike Allred’s more cartoony style, I think he did a passable job here though his “tech” could use some better detail. He manages to get a more realistic feel to his drawings on this book, and in at least one panel, She-Hulk looked quite beautiful. 

Worth Checking Out!

Story – 8 floating heads; Art – 7 white jumpsuits.

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Series Review: Marvel Now - All-New X-Men

All-New X-Men # 1 to 3 Marvel Comics - Written by Brian Michael Bendis (whom, I believe is having his middle name legally changed to Marvel) and drawn by the incomparable Stuart Immomen, who I have been a fan of since his days on Legion of Super-Heroes.

Wow, I really wanted to hate this one but I just can’t, even if for no other reason the humanity (that’s right, I said humanity) of Hank McCoy, better known to most as the furry, blue X-Man, the Beast.

We see him, faced with his own imminent demise that is being brought on by the same, self-inflicted process that first turned him blue and furry. He is contemplating the recent actions of his former leader and team-mate, Scott Summers (Cyclops). Anxious about the future of Mutant-kind, he comes up with a desperate, almost feverish, ploy to stop Scott from his current path. A path which Hank fears may cost the lives and/or reputations of Mutants the world over.

To this end, Dr. McCoy enlists the help of the original X-men, bringing them from the past to our present day. His hope, that their innocence, their youthful attitude and their unwavering dedication to Professor Xavier’s dream, will be a reminder to Summers of what he has become, as well as what he abandoned to get there.

At first the younger X-Men are reluctant, even incredulous. But, when they witness firsthand just how far their team-mate and leader has fallen, in typical fashion, they fly headlong into a confrontation that is sure to be fraught with un-foreseen consequences.

Can’t wait to see where this one goes.

Story - 7 time paradoxes; Art - 7 optic blasts.

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Review: Marvel Now – Thunderbolts # 1

Thunderbolts #1 Marvel Comics – This latest version of the Thunderbolts, Written by Daniel Way with art by Steve Dillon, is a departure from its previous incarnations because of the make-up of the team. Instead of convicted criminals forced into service, this team is comprised of mercenaries and volunteers.

While I’m not that familiar with Daniel Way’s work, I know him by his reputation. He has left a considerable mark on the Marvel Universe over the past decade, writing many of their edgier books, including a 50 issue run on Wolverine: Origins and all 63 issues of the Deadpool series that just ended. The new Thunderbolts series marks his fifth collaboration with Artist Steve Dillon, who is no stranger to the dark side of the Marvel Universe himself.

The story is set up perfectly as a First Issue, artfully introducing the cast, giving us glimpses into their backgrounds and personalities without revealing too much. While a little thin on plot, there is enough of a story to make the end satisfying.

Art wise? Well, Steve Dillon is the uncontested Master of the “Sneer”, which should serve him well with this cast of characters. Dillon’s realistic style is well suited to this "Grim-and-Gritty" type of book. His pencils are very tight and his inking and shading are flawless. I really like the old-school rectangular panel layouts, as well. This is some of his best work since Preacher.

Tastes good like a first issue should.

Story - 8 Snarls; Art - 8 Grimaces

Find all of Marvel Comic's NOW titles and may more cool comic books at 

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Series Review: Epic Kill

Epic Kill Image Comics - This series by Rafaele Ienco, began as a five issue mini-series but has now made the transition to ongoing series with the release of the current issue, #6.

Epic Kill first introduces us to a young girl named Song; a pretty name for a pretty girl, whose almost dainty appearance belies her deadly skills. She is, in fact, a living weapon which has been honed to perfection, then aimed at a very valuable and significant target. Her trainer/handler is her Grandfather, and he has prepared her for a very singular purpose, that of taking down the man he holds responsible for... something.

While her goal is clearly homicide, it is not entirely clear, at least at first, just what her purpose and motivations are. There is, however, no questioning her resolve from the very beginning; nothing and no one can divert her from her mission.

What also becomes quickly apparent is that her deep programming has adversely affected her mind. At times she has trouble discerning reality from fantasy. She seems to act from pure instinct rather than conscious effort.

When we finally learn who her target is, the tone is set for the rest of the series.  It becomes obvious that after all that Song has done, there is no way she will be allowed to simply walk away.

If you enjoy stories of intrigue and conspiracy, that have lots of great action, with characters that can prevail against overwhelming odds, Then Epic Kill is the comic book for you.

8½ Roundhouse Kicks!

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Series Review: Batman, the Dark Knight

Batman, the Dark Knight DC Comics - In the midst of all the excitement over Death of the Family, and all the critical acclaim for creators, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, one Bat Book has been largely overlooked.

While the Court of Owls flock and nest and scheme to regain what they lost, and the Joker plots  madness and mayhem on the grandest of scales, deep in the darkest corners of Gotham City, the most twisted of Batman villains are digging into the darkest corners the very psyche of Batman himself. Batman, the Dark Knight's current story arc, which began with issue ten is written by Gregg Hurwitz and drawn by David Finch. The tale features none other than that Master of Fear, that Potentate of Terror, the Ever Frightening Scarecrow!

In the opening scene of issue 10 we are witness to Professor Jonathon Crane's latest descent into the depths of his particular psychosis as he is graphically depicted sewing his own lips together in a bizarre imitation of his namesake.  As the story progresses we are given glimpses of Crane’s  ongoing childhood abuse, perpetrated upon him by his own father, in the name of scientific research.

An interesting side plot concerns the continually evolving relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian, and it creates a sharp counterpoint to Crane’s deplorable past.

Along the way there is, of course the obligatory death trap and the inevitable escape, with Scarecrow apparently destroyed in a fire, but then we learn that the villain is still alive and his plot has yet to reach fruition, as another, unexpected player is brought into the game.

I highly recommend this series to all fans of the Bat. It is my current favorite of all the Bat Family of books.

9 bat-a-rangs!

You Can Find All of the Titles in DC Comics Batman Line at 

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